Stories & News
Find the latest co-op housing stories, updates, and news articles here.
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November 29, 2023
Media
New federal co-op investments welcome, but timeline is disappointing
In a CBC News story by Jon Hernandez, Thom Armstrong, the CEO of CHF BC called the measures "well-intended," but he raised alarm over the lack of a timeline, with dollars only starting to roll out in 2025.
He notes that "We're in a housing crisis and is baffled as to why an economic recovery would have to wait until 2025-2026 to address what's a burning crisis right now."
November 29, 2023
News
Research shows that Community Housing is an Economic Necessity
Our friends at the Canadian Housing & Renewal Association recently released a report on the community housing—including co-ops—on Canada’s economic productivity.
The report provides five policy recommendations to boost community housing supply and tackle Canada’s productivity problem.
November 23, 2023
News
Urgent Resolution: Expedite the Co-operative Housing Development Program
At our 2023 AGM on November 19, delegates passed an emergency resolution.
The resolution urges the THAT CHFBC urge the federal government and the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities to launch the Co-op Housing Development Program without further delay.
October 31, 2023
News
VIDEO: How can co-operatives overcome barriers to climate action?
During Co-op Week 2023, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) hosted an online a panel discussion entitled “How can co-operatives overcome barriers to climate action?”
This online panel brought together co-ops of various sizes from different sectors. Each face unique challenges specific to their industry, but also holds similar opportunities for leveraging larger networks of support for sharing knowledge and resources.
October 18, 2023
Tips
What You Need to Know About Mini-split Heating & Cooling Systems
Mini-split heating and cooling systems are a reliable and energy-efficient solution. They can enhance comfort and air quality while reducing energy costs and providing flexibility in how you heat and cool your co-op's homes.
Also known as ductless mini-split systems, they are a popular option for residential and business heating and cooling needs.
October 10, 2023
News
Video: Volunteering in late life may protect the brain
Volunteering may be important for better cognition in late life and could serve as a simple intervention in all older adults to protect against risk for Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias.
October 5, 2023
Media
In the News: The Secret to Real Affordability? Trust in Land
A complex experiment is saving co-ops and developing homes to be affordable. Permanently.
A project of CHF BC has a twofold mission: to rescue old co-ops and to reboot the development of affordable housing, long neglected by the federal government.
October 4, 2023
News
Pet-friendly Co-ops: Benefits and Barriers
For many, pets are family, but pet-friendly housing has its challenges.
However, with vacancy rates among the lowest in the country right now, finding safe and affordable housing in B.C. is a challenge—and because of widespread pet restrictions, even more so if you happen to have pets, as more than half of British Columbians do.
October 3, 2023
News
New CLT Affordable Housing Project Announced
The governments of Canada and British Columbia along with the City of Vancouver announced combined funding of more than $91 million for a major affordable housing project that will build 154 new homes for people living and working in Vancouver.
The project is owned and operated by Community Land Trust in partnership with McLaren Housing Society. The first two floors will be the new home for QMUNITY, a non-profit organization that works to improve queer, transgender, and Two-Spirit lives.
October 3, 2023
Events
Exploring Cooperative Housing in the Heart of British Columbia
At CHF BC, we're always eager to connect with our member co-operatives and learn more about the unique communities they create.
In mid-September, four staff members embarked on an incredible journey through the interior of British Columbia.
September 25, 2023
News
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day is also Orange Shirt Day.
September 30th is the day that was chosen because it was the time of the year where children were taken from their homes to attend residential schools.
August 23, 2023
Tips
How to Deal with Raccoons at your Housing Co-op
Raccoons have a bad rap for making a mess in pursuit of the perfect meal. They are often labelled dumpster-divers, pond-raiders and garden-destroyers. This behaviour makes them valuable for cleaning up unwanted food from other animals, but gets them into trouble in and around our housing co-operatives.
